South Korean exports rose nearly seven percent in the first 20 days of December from the same period last year, driven by strong semiconductor shipments.

Data from the Korea Customs Service released Monday showed that exports totaled 43 billion U.S. dollars during the period, up six‑point‑eight percent from a year earlier.

The figure marks the highest ever recorded for the 20‑day period, surpassing the previous record of 40‑point‑three billion dollars set last year.

Average daily exports increased three‑point‑six percent to two‑point‑six‑one billion dollars, with the number of working days rising by half a day from the previous year to 16 and a half.

Shipments of semiconductors jumped 41‑point‑eight percent, leading the overall increase, while exports of passenger vehicles fell 12‑point‑seven percent.

Imports edged up zero‑point‑seven percent to 39‑point‑two billion dollars, resulting in a trade surplus of three‑point‑eight billion dollars.